Some PT180 project pics.

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue">To some who are used to having tractors or skidsteers this may not seem like a big deal but for me completing these three projects in a single day was just amazing!!! </font>

The problem with my projects now is that it takes longer to take the pictures than it does to complete the projects! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[BillCroasmun]

Stray,
It was about $150 for the kit at Harbor Freight, actually I looked it up on line and it shows $199 for it so maybe the local store had it miss marked or on sale. I also looked at some more expensive ones at www.Shelterking.com (they have many sizes available starting around $350 I think) which I think may be better quality but this one fits my needs.

I think I spent about $100 on the slag and used maybe half of it on the base for this. So about $200 total for a nice parking spot for the PT! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I want to build some wood shelves for the back. I am thinking that the mower will sit on the ground with a shelf above for the tiller and another shelf above that for the bucket. I have to do the measurements yet, hopefully this works and is not too high for the 180 to grab the bucket from the top. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I'll probably start measuring for that this weekend! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BillCroasmun]

Almost forgot... Overall dimensions: 16 ft. 9''L x 8 ft. 10''W x 7ft. 1/2''H

Here's the link... I guess they are selling them at $179 now.
Harbor Freight Portable Garage

 

[BillCroasmun]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Glad it passed the Inspector's review!!! )</font>

Well, I did cut a few corners but I paid her off with an ice cream sandwich. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> Well, I did cut a few corners but I paid her off with an ice cream sandwich. </font>

That just confirms my belief that it's not what you know but who you know! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[stray]

I noticed the position of the seat belt in this pic. Looks like a good place to stow it and a reminder to put it back on.

 

[pajoube]

Bill,
Great shots, thanks for sharing. I noticed when you get off the seat that you loop the seat belt in the steering wheel. Great idea for when you get back on you will remember to buckel up.
All you need now is a steering knob on that wheel.
PJ

 

[BillCroasmun]

Stray/PJ,
Thanks. I wear my seatbelt religiously and hanging it like that helps me keep up the practice. Recently though I have been wondering. The only slope I am on is an area right off the road. I have about a three foot drop from berm to yard that spans about 50" to 70". It feels uneasy mowing it although I am probably very safe. I'm wondering though if it were to roll with the 180 having no roll cage I think I may be better off not being buckled in.

I've ridden dirt bikes and ATVs and feel comfortable getting myself clear of a vehicle falling at descent speeds so jumping of a tipping tractor sounds more feasible than being trapped under 1200 lbs! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Any thoughts guys?

 

[KentT]

Without a ROPS, you wouldn't catch me wearing a seatbelt, personally...

I've also gotten on top of and "ridden" motorcyles as they slide down the highway on the crashbars, and have abandoned them in the woods as they start to come over backwards, or you've gotten to the point on a hill where there's zero traction for either braking or continuing on...

 

[J_J]

I agree, seat belts sounds like safety, right. Personally I don't wear a seat belt for the obviously reason, in a roll over situation, most people try to get out, it's human nature to escape. If you have your seat belt on, you probably don't have time to think about unbuckling. If you hold on to the PT without a ROPS, and buckled in, you will get crushed. If working by a pond, even with ROPS, it is not a good idea to wear the seat belt in case you turn over in the pond. Sometimes I am getting out of the PT ever couple of minutes and it is not feasible to wear the belt. However, good common sense should be applied to every situation.

The one time a hydraulic hose broke on the wheel motor, instant fear set in, and I was try to figure out what was happening as I was rolling backward toward a deep creek. I was getting ready to jump out, but the PT rolled into a tree, stopping my watery demise. My emergency brake is useless in a rolling situation. I didn't have time to try and engage it.

 

[BillCroasmun]

JJ,
Because I am mainly on flat areas I'll probably go ahead and keep using it to stay in the habit until I get/build a ROPS. Does your model have one? I've seen the recent engine pics of yours and the close up of the forks but haven't seen a full body shot. If you have one I wouldn't mind seeing what the earlier model looks like. Also maybe a good look at the front arms. The 180 arms are quite different from the 422 and 425 models I've noticed.

I think when I was at Tazewell I was so overwhelmed by the showroom I don't think I really noticed all the differences until later. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Plus the budget really only allowed for one choice so it didn't matter how they compared it was just a matter of was I impressed enough with the 180 to get one. I guess ya' all know that answer! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[J_J]

Hi Bill, Here is a picture of my PT-1445,

 

[J_J]

Here is another pic.

 

[J_J]

Front liftarms.

 

[pajoube]

Bill,
Most of my problems come from going to fast on broken ground. Hills have not been a problem but the bouncing on rough ground is enough to throw you from the seat even on level surface. The belt keeps you in place and in control.
PJ

 

[ClintBlake]

Slowing down a bit has a similar effect of keeping me in the seat. I don't have ROPS so I don't wear the seat belt.

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> good common sense should be applied to every situation. </font>

Words to live by! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MossRoad]

The general rule is if you have a ROPS, always wear your seat belt. If you have no ROPS, don't wear a seat belt. ROPS is for Roll Over Protection System. They work. If you have a ROPS, you should train yourself to reach for the steering wheel with both hands and hold on if a roll should occur. That way, your limbs will stay under the protection of the ROPS and your butt will stay in the seat. If you have no ROPS and are belted in, you are the highest point on top of the tractor and will be the lowest point once it turns over. YIKES!

As J.J. mentioned, there are special circumstances where you might want to change your operating habits, but take his words to heart...

"good common sense should be applied to every situation."

 

[KentT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The general rule is if you have a ROPS, always wear your seat belt. If you have no ROPS, don't wear a seat belt. )</font>

I agree. IMO, Power Trac shouldn't even install a seat belt unless they install a ROPS -- which isn't an option on the PT180, as I understand it...

IMO, Power Trac is more liable for installing the seat belt, encouraging you to "strap in" than they are for not installing a ROPS... No other small tractor that I know of that comes without a ROPS has a seat belt on it.

Interestingly, the seatbelt comes with the ROPS kits for Kubotas...

 

[SnowRidge]

Wearing a seatbelt on a ROPSless tractor is like wearing a seatbelt on a motorcycle. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif